In Loving Memory: Barbara Florence – Memento Funeral Chapel

June 26, 1930 ~ August 29, 2025

It is with much sadness that we mourn the passing of our mother Betty Florence, who passed away at the Cold Lake Regional Hospital on August 29th, 2025.

Mom was born in Stonewall, MB on June 26th, 1930.  She was raised on the family farm at Balmoral, MB along with her two sisters and four brothers, all of whom pre-deceased her.  She worked at the Royal Bank of Canada in Winnipeg, MB for a period of time which she remembered fondly.  She was an avid ball player and was the pitcher for the all-women team consisting of fellow RBC employees. After marrying our father Robert (Bob) Florence in September 1952, she had a career change and took on the full time job of being our mom.  She and Dad moved several times within Canada due to his military career and in 1970, transferred to Cold Lake, AB where they remained after Dad’s retirement in the mid-70’s.  Mom worked for several years driving school buses in the area, as well as at the Cold Lake Sun newspaper.  She was very involved with the Trinity United Church and their various fundraising activities.  Mom enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles (provided there were no cats in the picture!), crossword puzzles, knitting & crocheting, gardening, baking and numerous other activities.  She liked to watch professional sports on TV, in particular baseball (go Jays!) and curling.

After Dad’s passing in 2015, Mom remained in the home they shared until 2022 when she moved to the Cold Lake Lodge.  She loved living at the Lodge, surrounded by friends and participating in the many activities offered.

Mom is survived by her son Bill Florence (Jody) of Winnipeg, MB; daughter Barbara Olson (Ron) of Cold Lake, AB; and daughter Beverly Lovegrove (Dwayne) of Clayton, ON; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

As per her wishes, there will be no funeral and cremation has taken place.

We would like to thank the staff at the Lodge and at the Cold Lake Regional Hospital for the excellent care provided to Mom during her final days.  Their professionalism, sound advice and care will not be forgotten.  Bill and Bev would also like to express their sincere gratitude to their sister Barb for all the care and attention provided to Mom, especially in her final days.

(Obituary respectfully submitted by the family.)